How to Set Default Message Timer on WhatsApp for Android

Easily delete your sent messages after a set time with WhatsApp's default timer feature.

Would you like more control over how long your WhatsApp messages remain in a chat? Setting a default message timer makes it easy for sent texts, photos, and more to self-destruct after a select period of time.

In this tutorial, I'll show you how to set a self-destruct timer for all your WhatsApp messages:
Open the WhatsApp app

Tap the three dots in the top right
Select "Settings"
Choose "Account"
Locate "Default message timer"
Select how long you want messages to last before deleting:
-1 hour
-1 day
-1 week

• 1 month
• Off (no timer)

Your chosen timer will now apply to all of your future messages sent in WhatsApp chats. After the set time period, your texts, photos, videos, and more will disappear from the recipient's chat.

Benefits of setting a WhatsApp default message timer include:

• More privacy and security as messages self-destruct
• Messages won't pile up in chats
• Useful for time-sensitive or unimportant messages

Follow these simple steps to enable a default timer:
Open the three dot menu - Settings - Account
Locate Default message timer
Select the expiration time that suits your needs
Your chosen timer will now apply to all future messages you send across WhatsApp - giving you more control and privacy for your conversations.

Give your messages an expiration date with just a few taps. Open the menu, select Settings and Account, locate Default message timer, then choose how long you'd like messages to remain in chats before deleting themselves - whether that's 1 hour, 1 day, or even 1 month. Now your WhatsApp messages will self-destruct on your terms.